Head of Maintenance

Kendrick Recruitment; Sol Plaatje Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-In Accommodation

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment presents an exciting Head of Maintenance opportunity for a Luxury Private Reserve in the Kalahari. This role oversees infrastructure, fleet, utilities, and a multi-skilled team to deliver premium guest experiences while aligning with conservation goals.

The ideal candidate has an engineering background, 7+ years in senior maintenance leadership, and a strong grasp of off-grid technologies. Live-in accommodation is provided in a remote wilderness setting.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering (or related field).
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a senior engineering or maintenance leadership role.
• Strong understanding of off-grid and sustainable technologies (solar, water filtration, waste systems).
• Proven experience in project planning and facilities management.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to live in a remote environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• High attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a hands-on work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance across guest accommodations, staff quarters, and communal facilities.
• Coordinate maintenance and optimal performance of reserve and hospitality vehicles (4x4s, tractors, game viewers, etc.).
• Manage all energy systems, including solar PV arrays, battery storage, and generators; oversee water systems and waste management.
• Lead and develop a multi-skilled technical team and ensure training and high service standards.
• Collaborate with conservation teams to reduce ecological footprint and optimise energy/water efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance management

Project planning

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Engineering degree or diploma (Mechanical/Electrical/Civil)

Job description

Head of Maintenance | Luxury Private Reserve | Kalahari Location: Kalahari Salary: Negotiable, Dependent on Experience Accommodation: Live-In

Key Responsibilities:

Infrastructure and Facility Maintenance

• Manage preventative and reactive maintenance across guest accommodations, staff quarters, and communal facilities


• Oversee civil works and infrastructure projects aligned with eco-sensitive construction principles


• Ensure all infrastructure complies with legal, safety, and environmental standards

Fleet and Equipment Management

• Coordinate maintenance and optimal performance of reserve and hospitality vehicles (4x4s, tractors, game viewers, etc.)


• Supervise the upkeep of technical assets including tools, machinery, water pumps, solar systems, generators, and boreholes

Utilities and Systems Oversight

• Manage all energy systems, including solar PV arrays, battery storage, and generators


• Oversee water supply systems, purification processes, storage, and responsible waste management


• Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and IT infrastructure

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a multi-skilled technical team (plumbers, electricians, general maintenance staff)


• Ensure team training, motivation, and delivery of high service standards


• Coordinate routine maintenance schedules and emergency response plans

Sustainability and Conservation Integration

• Collaborate with conservation teams to reduce the ecological footprint of operations


• Optimise energy and water efficiency across all infrastructure


• Maintain green building practices and monitor environmental performance

Budgeting and Procurement

• Develop and manage the annual maintenance budget in coordination with the Head of Property Operations


• Oversee procurement of materials, tools, and services aligned with sustainability priorities


• Maintain asset registers and monitor stock levels effectively

Health and Safety Compliance

• Enforce health and safety regulations and organisational policies


• Identify operational risks and implement preventative measures for staff, guest, and wildlife safety

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering (or related field)


• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a senior engineering or maintenance leadership role


• Strong understanding of off-grid and sustainable technologies (solar, water filtration, waste systems)


• Proven experience in project planning and facilities management


• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to live in a remote environment


• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills


• High attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and a hands-on work ethic

Personal Characteristics:

• Experience in luxury safari lodges or eco-resort settings


• Familiarity with conservation-aligned operational principles


• Strong problem-solving ability and proactive approach to challenges


• Able to perform under pressure and manage shifting priorities


• Committed to environmental sustainability and responsible resource use


• Flexible, adaptable, and resilient in remote or high-performance environments


• Willing to work variable hours and remain available for emergency situations

What Is Offered:

• A unique opportunity to live and work in one of Africa’s most biodiverse and remote regions


• The chance to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation at the intersection of luxury hospitality and conservation


• Competitive remuneration and benefits


• A workplace culture defined by innovation, collaboration, and excellence